hamas is still firing backfiring hundreds of rockets into israel. israel's anti-rocket shield called iron dome intercepted many but it's not enough for the country's leader shship. israel has amassed thousands of soldiers on the border ready for an invasion. >> we are suffering a heavy price from hamas and the terrorist organization. the israeli defense forces have prepared for a significant expansion of the operation. >> reporter: now the civilians here brace themselves for a possible ground invasion, egyptian officials are working to broker a truce within the next 48 hours. but if that fails, both sides, israel and the palestinian factions, say they are prepared to fight a war that could be averted. back to you, erica. >>> now here is lester. >>> as the violence rages in the middle east, president obama is overseas himself on a historic three-day tour of southeast asia. chief white house correspondent chuck todd is traveling with the president. he's in bangkok, thailand, this morning. chuck, what's happening there? >> reporter: well, lester, while